Apparatus and method for making bows

ABSTRACT

A bow making template ( 100, 200, 300 ) and method for using the bow making template to make bows of various designs and sizes is disclosed. The bow making template could include a front ( 102, 202, 302 ), a back (not shown), a first edge ( 104, 204, 304 ), a second edge ( 106, 206, 306 ), a top edge ( 108, 208, 308 ), a bottom edge ( 110, 210, 310 ), a slot ( 112, 212, 312 ), and an aperture ( 114, 214, 314 ). The bow making template could further include a second slot ( 216 ). The bow making template can be used to configure one or more lengths of strip material in a predetermined fashion, thus shaping the one or more lengths of strip material into desirable designs and sizes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/230,163 filed on Jul. 31, 2009 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office entitled “Top Notch Template” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/231,099 filed on Aug. 4, 2009 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office entitled “Method for Making Bows.” The entire disclosures of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/230,163 and 61/231,099 are incorporated by reference as if fully disclosed herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the making of decorative bows and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for assisting in the creation of bows for decorative purposes such as hair accessories, gift package adornments, and various other embellishments.

BACKGROUND

A continuing demand exists for decorative articles such as bows that are formed of ribbon or other strip materials. Bows have long been accepted as a decorative accessory for hair, for gift boxes, and for various other uses. It is desirable to make a variety of bows such that they can be matched to appropriate occasions, fashion outfits, gift boxes, sizes, color schemes, and textures, among others. Purchasing such a wide variety of bows can quickly become cost-prohibitive and sometimes difficult to find the appropriate bow. Accordingly, it is desirable to develop an apparatus and method that simplifies the process for manually making bows having the desired shape, size, color, texture, or any other desired characteristics.

The preparation of bows made out of ribbon or any continuous length of strip material typically involves considerable manual skill and dexterity, and can be quite time consuming. To solve this need, a variety of automatic bow making devices presently exist but such automated devices can be cost-prohibitive and/or bulky for individuals wishing to make bows at home. Moreover, many individuals desire the creative satisfaction of knowing that they made their bows with a minimal amount of mechanical assistance. A need therefore exists for an apparatus and method that assists individuals in manually making decorative bows in a manner that minimizes the skill, training, and/or dexterity typically required.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide an apparatus and method for making bows.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could provide a bow making template. The bow making template could include a front, a back, a first edge, a second edge, a top edge, a bottom edge, and a slot. The bow making template could further include a second slot and, still further, could include an aperture.

In another embodiment, a plurality of bow making templates could be provided according to the present disclosure, each bow making template having a different size and shape to enable making bows of different shapes and designs.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could provide a method of using the bow making template as described above. The method could be used for making any number of bow designs from one or more ribbons or other lengths of strip material. The method could include step-by-step instructions as to how to removably attach portions of the ribbon to the bow making template, wrap portions of the ribbon around the bow making template, removably attach other portions of the ribbon to the bow making template, fasten the created loop(s) utilizing the slot in the bow making template to form bow components, and removing the ribbon with bow components from the bow making template. The method could further include twisting the bow components into the desired bow shape and adding “finishing” details to achieve the desired appearance and durability of the bow.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a first exemplary illustration of a bow making template for making bows in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a second exemplary illustration of a bow making template for making bows in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C is a third exemplary illustration of a bow making template for making bows in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a somewhat simplified flow diagram illustrating a method of using a bow making template in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3I are a series of images illustrating a method of using a bow making template to make a bow sometimes referred to as a “2 Loop Twist Bow” in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4K are a series of images illustrating a method of using a bow making template to make a bow sometimes referred to as a “Basic Boutique Bow” in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5K are a series of images illustrating a method of using a bow making template to make a bow sometimes referred to as a “Twisted Boutique Bow” in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-6H are a series of images illustrating a method of using a bow making template to make a bow sometimes referred to as a “Pinwheel Bow” in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7K are a series of images illustrating a method of using a bow making template to make a bow sometimes referred to as a “Organza Bow” in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8L are a series of images illustrating a method of using a bow making template to make a bow sometimes referred to as a “Tails Out Bow” in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9A-9K are a series of images illustrating a method of using a bow making template to make a bow sometimes referred to as a “Split Tails Bow” in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10J are a series of images illustrating a method of using a bow making template to make a bow sometimes referred to as a “Tails Down Bow” in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11L are a series of images illustrating a method of using a bow making template to make a bow sometimes referred to as a “2 Tone Twist Bow” in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12M are a series of images illustrating a method of using a bow making template to make a bow sometimes referred to as a “2 Tone Basic Bow” in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 13A-13B are a series of images illustrating a method of using a bow making template to make a bow sometimes referred to as a “3 Tone Basic Bow” in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally provides a portable, inexpensive and simple apparatus and method for making bows.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C generally illustrate variations of bow making templates 100, 200, 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that bow making templates 100, 200, 300 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, respectively, are for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable apparatus or component could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of bow making template 100, 200, 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, bow making template 100 could generally include front 102, back (not shown), first edge 104, second edge 106, top edge 108, bottom edge 110, slot 112, and aperture 114 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The body of bow making template 100 generally has an upper portion closer to the top edge 108 and a lower portion closer to the bottom edge 110.

Slot 112 is generally located at an approximate midpoint between the first edge 104 and the second edge 106 such that slot 112 will fall approximately at the center of ribbon loops when bow making template 100 is used to make a bow. Slot 112 generally extends from the bottom edge 110 such that there is an opening at the bottom edge 110 where the slot 112 intersects therewith. Although it could terminate in the lower portion of the body, slot 112 preferably extends into the upper portion of the body of bow making template 100. The exact point to which slot 112 extends into the upper portion is not critical, but it is generally noted that the closer that slot 112 approaches to top edge 108 the more space there is to manipulate strip material on bow making template 100. On the other hand, the closer that slot 112 approaches to top edge 108 the higher the risk that bow making template 100 will fracture. The width of slot 112 should be sufficient to accommodate a needle, pushpin, or other fastening device used for making bows.

Bow making template 100 could be made of hard plastic, soft plastic, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester, high-gloss polyester, polymer plastic, wood, brass, steel, silicon, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, fiberglass, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, metal, mesh, other suitable materials, or any combination thereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 1A depicts a bow making template 100 having a generally square shape, any parallelogram shape wherein the first edge 104 and the second edge 106 are substantially parallel would be acceptable. For example, bow making template 100 could have a generally rectangular shape as depicted in FIGS. 1B and 1C could be equally effective according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Moreover, while the embodiment of FIG. 1A depicts a bow making template 100 having sharp right angle corners, the intersections between first edge 104, top edge 108, second edge 106, and bottom edge 110 could take other shapes such as a rounded corner, a chamfered corner, any other shape, or any combination thereof.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, aperture 114, 214, 314 can have a circular shape but could also have any other shape such as a rectangle, square, oval, any other shape, or any combination thereof. As depicted in FIG. 1C, aperture 114, 214, 314 can be used as a mechanism for coupling bow making template 100, 200, 300 to a retention device such as detachable ring 318. Aperture 114, 214, 314 thus simplifies the organization and portability of bow making template 100, 200, 300.

Bow making template 200 illustrated in FIG. 1B could include front 202, back (not shown), first edge 204, second edge 206, top edge 208, bottom edge 210, first slot 212, and aperture 214. In one embodiment, bow making template 200 could be similar to bow making template 100 shown in and described in conjunction with the description accompanying FIG. 1A above (with like parts having similar numbers).

In one embodiment, bow making template 200 could have a second slot 216. Second slot 216 is generally located at an approximate midpoint between first slot 212 and the first edge 104 such that second slot 216 will fall approximately at the center of ribbon loops when bow making template 200 is used to make a bow wrapped from first edge 104 to first slot 112. Second slot 216 generally extends from the bottom edge 110 such that there is an opening at the bottom edge 110 where the second slot 216 intersects therewith. Although it could terminate in the upper portion of the body, second slot 216 preferably extends only into the lower portion of the body of bow making template 100. The exact point to which slot 112 extends into the lower portion is not critical, but it is generally noted that a bow made using first edge 204 and first slot 212 will typically be relatively smaller than a bow made using the full width of bow making template 200 between first edge 204 and second edge 206. Accordingly, it is less likely that a relatively lengthy second slot 216 would be necessary. As with first slot 212, the width of second slot 216 should be sufficient to accommodate a needle, pushpin, or other fastening device used for making bows. Although other advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, one benefit of second slot 216 is that it provides additional flexibility to a single bow making template 200 by allowing a user to make bows of different sizes using a single template.

Bow making template 300 illustrated in FIG. 1C could include front 302, back (not shown), first edge 304, second edge 306, top edge 308, bottom edge 310, slot 312, and aperture 314. In one embodiment, bow making template 300 could be similar to bow making template 100 shown in and described in conjunction with the description accompanying FIG. 1A above (with like parts having similar numbers).

Although neither bow making template 100 nor bow making template 300 are depicted with a second slot, such second slot could be added thereto. Moreover, although not depicted, additional slots could also be added as necessary.

In one preferred embodiment, bow making templates 100, 200, 300 could be packaged together with other similar bow making templates of various sizes. In this manner, a user would have the option of making bows of various sizes depending on the specific size template chosen.

FIG. 2 is a somewhat simplified flow diagram illustrating method 400 of using a bow making template to make a bow in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that method 400 shown in FIG. 2 is for illustrative purposes only and that any other suitable method or sub-method could be used in conjunction with or in lieu of method 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the steps of method 400 could be performed in any suitable order or manner.

In one embodiment, step 402 could include a user selecting a desired bow design from a collection of potential designs, including but not limited to those designs illustrated herein. It will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that a virtually unlimited number of bow designs can be made using the apparatus and method of the present disclosure. For any bow design, the user could obtain step-by-step bow design instructions detailing recommended steps for attaching and wrapping a ribbon or other strip material on the bow making template.

In step 404, the user removably attaches a first end of the ribbon or other strip material to bow making template 100, 200, 300 pursuant to the step-by-step bow design instructions. Alternatively, if the instructions so instruct, the user could removably attach a midpoint of the ribbon or other strip material to bow making template 100, 200, 300. The instructions could include guidance as to a specific or general location on the body of bow making template 100, 200, 300 where the first end (or midpoint) of the ribbon should be removably attached.

In step 406, the user wraps the ribbon or other strip material around bow making template 100, 200, 300 according to the step-by-step bow design instructions. The instructions could include guidance as to the orientation, direction, number of loops, and any other instructions as to the proper technique for wrapping the ribbon in order to create the desired bow design. The instructions could also include instructions regarding intermediate steps wherein one portion of a ribbon needs to be fastened to another portion of the ribbon (or to a second ribbon) during step 406.

In step 408, the user removably attaches the second end of the ribbon to bow making template 100, 200, 300 according to the step-by-step bow design instructions. Alternatively, if the instructions so instruct, the user could removably attach both the second end and the first end of ribbon if the midpoint of the ribbon or other strip material was removably attached to bow making template 100, 200, 300 in step 404. Although not shown in FIG. 2, if the bow design instructions so instruct, the user could repeat steps 404, 406, 408 with a second ribbon and continue repeating with any additional ribbons necessary for the bow design.

In step 410, the user fastens the loops in the ribbon or strip material created during the wrapping step 406. The fastening step utilizes the opening in the template provided by slot 112, 212, 312 by allowing the selected fastener (such as a needle or a pushpin) to pass through the ribbon portion located on the front 102, 202, 302 of the template, through slot 112, 212, 312, and through the ribbon portion located on the back (not shown) of the template. Once fastening step 410 is completed, the user will have formed bow components on opposing sides of the center of the ribbon loops.

In step 412, the user removes the ribbon or other strip material, now with bow components formed, from bow making template 100, 200, 300. The ribbon or other strip material could simply slide off of the template after the removable attachments are removed from the ribbon and template. Although not shown in FIG. 2, if the bow design instructions so instruct, the user could repeat steps 404, 406, 408, 410, 412 with a second ribbon and continue repeating with any additional ribbons necessary for the bow design.

In step 414, the user twists the bow components to form the desired bow shape according to the step-by-step bow design instructions.

In step 416, the user can add any desired “finishing” details as explained elsewhere in the present disclosure.

Following are step-by-step methods for using bow making templates 100, 200, 300 to make a variety of bow designs. It should be understood that the following bow designs can also be made using bow making templates of different sizes or shapes than the representative embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. Although certain representative bow designs are described for illustrative purposes, the scope of use of bow making templates according to the present disclosure is not limited to any particular bow designs.

While the following examples refer to using a standard ribbon material for making bows, any relatively flat strip material could be used to make bows according to the present disclosure. Acceptable strip materials could include ribbon, cloth, canvas, silk, chiffon, polyester, cotton, flax, wool, ramie, nylon, recycled materials, rope, fiber, sisal, other suitable material, or any combination thereof.

“2 Loop Twist Bow”

With respect to FIGS. 3A-3I, following is a representative method by which the bow making template of the present disclosure can be used to create a bow sometimes referred to as a “2 Loop Twist Bow.”

(1) Clip 540 a first end 522 of the ribbon 520 to the front 502 of the bow making template 500 near the second edge 506 of the template 500 (FIG. 3A). If a long tail is desired, wrap the first end 522 of the ribbon 520 around the second edge 506 of the template 500 before clipping the ribbon 520 in place.

(2) Wrap the second end 524 of the ribbon 520 straight across and around the first edge 504 of the bow making template 500 and then straight across the back of the template 500 (FIG. 3B).

(3) Wrap the second end 524 of the ribbon 520 around the second edge 506 of the bow making template 500 and clip 540 the second end 524 of the ribbon 520 in place (FIG. 3C).

(4) Place a pin 550 through the slot 512 of the bow making template 500 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loop created by the prior steps, thus forming bow components 560 (FIG. 3D).

(5) Remove the clip 540 and slide the ribbon 520 off of the bow making template 500 (FIG. 3E).

(6) Twist the bow components 560 to generally form a FIG. 8 shape (FIG. 3F).

(7) Fasten 570 the central portion of the bow components (FIGS. 3G-3I).

“Basic Boutique Bow”

With respect to FIGS. 4A-4K, following is a representative method by which the bow making template of the present disclosure can be used to create a bow sometimes referred to as a “Basic Boutique Bow.”

(1) Clip 640 a first end 622 of the ribbon 620 to the front 602 of the bow making template 600 near the second edge 606 of the template 600. Orient the ribbon 620 such that the first end 622 of the ribbon 620 begins at a lower portion of the template 600 and the ribbon 620 extends to an upper portion of the template 600 as it approaches the first edge 604 of the template 600 (FIG. 4A).

(2) Wrap the second end 624 of the ribbon 620 around the first edge 604 of the bow making template 600 and straight across the upper portion of the back of the template 600 (FIG. 4B).

(3) Wrap the second end 624 of the ribbon 620 around the second edge 606 of the bow making template 600 and then toward a lower portion of the template 600 as it approaches the first edge 604 of the template 600, thereby forming an X across the front 602 of the template 600 (FIG. 4C).

(4) Wrap the second end 624 of the ribbon 620 around the first edge 604 of the bow making template 600 and straight across the lower portion of the back of the template 600 (FIG. 4D).

(5) Wrap the second end 624 of the ribbon 620 around the second edge 606 of the bow making template 600 and then toward an upper portion of the template 600 as it approaches the first edge 604 of the template 600, thereby overlapping with the first end 622 of the ribbon 620. Clip 642 the second end 624 of the ribbon 620 in place (FIG. 4E).

(6) Through the slot 612 of the bow making template 600 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loops created by the prior steps, fasten 670 the central portion of the ribbon loops to form bow components 660 (FIGS. 4F-4G).

(7) Remove the clips 640, 642 and slide the ribbon 620 off of the bow making template 600 (FIG. 4H).

(8) Twist the bow components 660 to the desired shape (FIGS. 4I-4K).

“Twisted Boutique Bow”

With respect to FIG. 5A-5K, following is a representative method by which the bow making template of the present disclosure can be used to create a bow sometimes referred to as a “Twisted Boutique Bow.”

(1) Clip 740 a first end 722 of the ribbon 720 to the front 702 of the bow making template 700 near the second edge 706 of the template 700 (FIG. 5A).

(2) Wrap the second end 724 of the ribbon 720 straight across and around the first edge 704 of the bow making template 700 and then straight across the back of the template 700 (FIG. 5B).

(3) Continue wrapping the second end 724 of the ribbon 720 straight across and around the second edge 706 and first edge 704 of the template 700 until the entire ribbon 720 has been wrapped around the template 700. Clip 742 the second end 724 of the ribbon 720 in place (FIGS. 5C-5E).

(4) Place a pin 750 through the slot 712 of the bow making template 700 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loops created by the prior steps, thus forming bow components 760 (FIG. 5F).

(5) Remove the clips 740, 742 and slide the ribbon 720 off of the bow making template 700 (FIG. 5G).

(6) Twist the various bow components 760 formed by the loops to create the desired shape (FIG. 5H).

(7) Fasten 770 the central portion of the bow components 760 (FIGS. 5I-5K).

“Pinwheel Bow”

With respect to FIG. 6A-6H, following is a representative method by which the bow making template of the present disclosure can be used to create a bow sometimes referred to as a “Pinwheel Bow.”

(1) Clip 840 a first end 822 of the ribbon 820 to the front 802 of the bow making template 800 such that the first end 822 of the ribbon 820 is approximately flush with the bottom edge 810 and the second edge 806 of the template 800 and the second end 824 of the ribbon 820 extends toward an upper portion of the template 800 as it approaches the first edge 804 of the template 800 (FIG. 6A).

(2) Wrap the second end 824 of the ribbon 820 around the first edge 804 and across the back of the template 800 such that the second end 824 of the ribbon 820 continues to extend toward an upper portion of the template 800 as it approaches the second edge 806 of the template 800 (FIG. 6B).

(3) Continue wrapping the second end 824 of the ribbon 820 around the second edge 806 and the first edge 804 of the template 800 until the entire ribbon 820 has been wrapped around the template 800. Each consecutive loop formed by the ribbon 820 should be positioned such that the respective edges of the ribbon loops are in contact with one another. Clip 842 the second end 824 of the ribbon 820 in place (FIGS. 6C-6D).

(4) Through the slot 812 of the bow making template 800 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loops created by the prior steps, sew 870 an appropriate number of stitches through the center of the ribbon 820 to form bow components 860 (FIG. 6E).

(5) Remove the clips 840, 842 and slide the ribbon 820 off of the bow making template 800 (FIG. 6F).

(6) Twist the various bow components 860 to create the desired shape (FIG. 6G-6H).

“Organza Bow”

With respect to FIG. 7A-7K, following is a representative method by which the bow making template of the present disclosure can be used to create a bow sometimes referred to as an “Organza Bow.”

(1) Clip 940 a first end 922 of the ribbon 920 to the front 902 of the bow making template 900 near the second edge 906 of the template 900. Orient the ribbon 920 such that the first end 922 of the ribbon 920 begins at an approximate midpoint between the lower portion and upper portion of the template 900 and the ribbon 920 extends to a lower portion of the template 900 as it approaches the first edge 904 of the template 900 (FIG. 7A).

(2) Wrap the second end 924 of the ribbon 920 around the first edge 904 of the bow making template 900 and straight across the lower portion of the back of the template 900 (FIG. 7B).

(3) Wrap the second end 924 of the ribbon 920 around the second edge 906 of the bow making template 900 and then toward an approximate midpoint between the lower portion and upper portion of the template 900 as it approaches the first edge 904 of the template 900, thereby forming an X across the front 902 of the template 900. Clip 942 of the ribbon 920 to the first edge 904 of the template 900(FIG. 7C).

(4) Wrap the second end 924 of the ribbon 920 around the first edge 904 of the bow making template 900 and straight across the back of the template 900 at an approximate midpoint between the lower portion and the upper portion of the template 900 (FIG. 7D).

(5) Wrap the second end 924 of the ribbon 920 around the second edge 906 of the bow making template 900 and then toward an upper portion of the template 900 as it approaches the first edge 904 of the template 900 (FIG. 7E).

(6) Wrap the second end 924 of the ribbon 920 around the first edge 904 of the bow making template 900 and straight across an upper portion of the back of the template 900 (FIG. 7F).

(7) Wrap the second end 924 of the ribbon 920 around the second edge 906 of the bow making template 900 and then toward an approximate midpoint between the lower portion and upper portion of the template 900 as it approaches the slot 912 of the template 900. Clip 944 the second end 924 of the ribbon 920 in place (FIG. 7G).

(8) Through the slot 912 of the bow making template 900 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loops created by the prior steps, sew 970 an appropriate number of stitches through the center of the ribbon 920 to form bow components 960 (FIG. 7H).

(9) Remove the clips 940, 942, 944 and slide the ribbon 920 off of the bow making template 900 (FIG. 71).

(10) Twist the various bow components 960 to create the desired shape (FIGS. 7J-7K).

“Tails Out Bow”

With respect to FIG. 8A-8L, following is a representative method by which the bow making template of the present disclosure can be used to create a bow sometimes referred to as a “Tails Out Bow.”

(1) Position a first end 1022 of the ribbon 1020 on the front 1002 of the bow making template 1000 such that the first end 1022 extends beyond the second edge 1006 of the template 1000. Orient the ribbon 1020 such that the first end 1022 of the ribbon 1020 begins at a lower portion of the template 1000 and the ribbon 1020 extends to an upper portion of the template 1000 as it approaches the first edge 1004 of the template 1000 (FIG. 8A). Clip 1040 the first end 1022 of the ribbon 1020 such that it folds over the second edge 1006 of the bow making template 1000 (FIG. 8B).

(2) Wrap the second end 1024 of the ribbon 1020 around the first edge 1004 of the bow making template 1000 and straight across the upper portion of the back of the template 1000 (FIG. 8C).

(3) Wrap the second end 1024 of the ribbon 1020 around the second edge 1006 of the bow making template 1000 and then toward the lower portion of the template 1000 as it approaches the first edge 1004 of the template 1000, thereby forming an X across the front 1002 of the template 1000 (FIG. 8D).

(4) Wrap the second end 1024 of the ribbon 1020 around the first edge 1004 of the bow making template 1000 and straight across the lower portion of the back of the template 1000 (FIG. 8E).

(5) Wrap the second end 1024 of the ribbon 1020 around the second edge 1006 of the bow making template 1000 and then toward an upper portion of the template 1000 as it approaches the first edge 1004 of the template 1000, but tuck the second end 1024 of the ribbon 1020 underneath the previous loop across the front 1002 of the template 1000 that formed the X shape (FIG. 8F). Clip 1042 the second end 1024 of the ribbon 1020 in place (FIG. 8G).

(8) Through the slot 1012 of the bow making template 1000 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loops created by the prior steps, sew 1070 an appropriate number of stitches through the center of the ribbon 1020 to form bow components 1060 (FIG. 8H).

(9) Remove the clips 1040, 1042 and slide the ribbon 1020 off of the bow making template 1000 (FIG. 81).

(10) Twist the various bow components 1060 to create the desired shape (FIG. 8J-8L).

“Split Tails Bow”

With respect to FIG. 9A-9K, following is a representative method by which the bow making template of the present disclosure can be used to create a bow sometimes referred to as a “Split Tails Bow.”

(1) Clip 1140 a first end 1122 of a first ribbon 1120 to a lower portion of the back of the bow making template 1100 near the second edge 1106 of the template 1100 (FIG. 9A).

(2) Wrap the second end 1124 of the first ribbon 1120 straight across and around the first edge 1104 of the bow making template 1100 and then straight across the front 1102 of the template 1100 (FIG. 9B).

(3) Wrap the second end 1124 of the first ribbon 1120 around the second edge 1106 of the bow making template 1100 and then straight across the back of the template 1100 such that the second end 1124 of the first ribbon 1120 hangs over the first edge 1104 of the template 1100. Clip 1142 the second end 1124 of the first ribbon 1120 in place (FIG. 9C).

(4) Clip 1144 a first end 1182 of a second ribbon 1180 to an upper portion of the back of the bow making template 1100 near the first edge 1104 of the template 1100 (FIG. 9D).

(5) Wrap the second end 1184 of the second ribbon 1180 straight across and around the second edge 1106 of the bow making template 1100 and then straight across the front 1102 of the template 1100 (FIG. 9E).

(6) Wrap the second end 114 of the second ribbon 1180 around the first edge 1104 of the bow making template 1100 and then straight across the back of the template 1100 such that the second end 1184 of the second ribbon 1180 hangs over the second edge 1106 of the template 1100. Clip 1146 the second end 1184 of the second ribbon 1180 in place (FIG. 9F).

(7) Through the slot 1112 of the bow making template 1100 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loop created by the prior steps, sew 1170 an appropriate number of stitches through the center of the ribbons 1120, 1180 to form bow components 1160 (FIG. 9G).

(8) Remove the clips 1140, 1142, 1144, 1146 and slide both ribbons 1120, 1180 off of the bow making template 1100 (FIG. 9H).

(9) Twist the various bow components 1160 to create the desired shape (FIGS. 9I-9K).

“Tails Down Bow”

With respect to FIG. 10A-10J, following is a representative method by which the bow making template of the present disclosure can be used to create a bow sometimes referred to as a “Tails Down Bow.”

(1) Position the ribbon 1220 on the front 1202 of the bow making template 1200 such that an approximate midpoint 1226 of the ribbon 1220 is aligned with the slot 1212 in the template 1200. Orient the ribbon 1220 such that it extends straight across an upper portion of the template 1200. Clip 1240 the ribbon 1220 to the bow making template 1200 (FIG. 10A).

(2) Wrap the first end 1222 of the ribbon 1220 around the second edge 1206 of the bow making template 1200 and then across the back of the template 1200 toward a lower portion of the template 1200 as it approaches the first edge 1204 of the template 1200 (FIG. 10B).

(3) Wrap the second end 1224 of the ribbon 1220 around the first edge 1204 of the bow making template 1200 and then across the back of the template 1200 toward a lower portion of the template 1200 as it approaches the second edge 1206 of the template 1200, thereby forming an X across the back of the template 1200 (FIG. 10C).

(4) Wrap the first end 1222 of the ribbon 1220 around the first edge 1204 of the bow making template 1200 and then across the front 1202 of the template 1200 toward a lower portion of the template 1200 as it approaches the second edge 1206 of the template 1200. Clip 1242 the first end 1222 of the ribbon 1220 in place (FIG. 10D).

(5) Wrap the second end 1224 of the ribbon 1220 around the second edge 1206 of the bow making template 1200 and then across the front 1202 of the template 1200 toward a lower portion of the template 1200 as it approaches the first edge 1204 of the template 1200, thereby forming an X across the front 1202 of the template 1200. Clip 1244 the second end 1224 of the ribbon 1220 in place (FIG. 10E).

(8) Through the slot 1212 of the bow making template 1200 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loops created by the prior steps, sew 1270 an appropriate number of stitches through the center of the ribbon 1220 to form bow components 1260 (FIG. 10F).

(9) Remove the clips 1240, 1242, 1244 and slide the ribbon 1220 off of the bow making template 1200 (FIG. 10G).

(10) Twist the various bow components 1260 to create the desired shape (FIGS. 10H-10J).

“2 Tone Twist Bow”

With respect to FIG. 11A-11L, following is a representative method by which the bow making template of the present disclosure can be used to create a bow sometimes referred to as a “2 Tone Twist Bow.”

(1) Clip 1340 a first end 1322 of a first ribbon 1320 to a lower portion of the front 1302 of the bow making template 1300 near the slot 1312 in the template 1300 (FIG. 11A).

(2) Wrap the second end 1324 of the first ribbon 1320 straight across over the slot 1312 and around the first edge 1304 of the bow making template 1300 and then straight across the back of the template 1300 (FIG. 11B).

(3) Wrap the second end 1324 of the first ribbon 1320 around the second edge 1306 of the bow making template 1300 and then straight across the front 1302 of the template 1300 such that the second end 1324 of the first ribbon 1320 slightly passes the slot 1312 in the template 1300. Clip 1340 the second end 1324 of the first ribbon 1320 in place (FIG. 11C).

(4) Clip 1324 a first end 1382 of a second ribbon 1380 to a lower portion of the front 1302 of the bow making template 1300 generally aligned with the first end 1322 of the first ribbon 1320 near the slot 1312 in the template 1300 (FIG. 11D).

(5) Wrap the second end 1384 of the second ribbon 1380 straight across over the slot 1312 and around the first edge 1304 of the bow making template 1300 and then straight across the back of the template 1300. Using dots of glue or other adhesive, attach the second ribbon 1380 to the first ribbon 1320 where the two ribbons 1320, 1380 overlap at the back of the bow making template 1300 (FIG. 11E).

(6) Wrap the second end 1384 of the second ribbon 1380 around the second edge 1306 of the bow making template 1300 and then straight across the front 1302 of the template 1300 such that the second end 1384 of the second ribbon 1380 generally aligns with the second end 1324 of the first ribbon 1320 near the slot 1312 in the template 1300. Clip 1342 the second end 1384 of the second ribbon 1380 in place (FIGS. 11F-11G).

(7) Through the slot 1312 of the bow making template 1300 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loops created by the prior steps, fasten 1350 the central portion of the ribbon loops to form bow components 1360 (FIG. 11H).

(8) Remove the clips 1340, 1342 and slide the ribbons 1320, 1380 off of the bow making template 1300.

(9) Twist the bow components 1360 to the desired shape (FIGS. 11I-11L).

“2 Tone Basic Bow”

With respect to FIG. 12A-12M, following is a representative method by which the bow making template of the present disclosure can be used to create a bow sometimes referred to as a “2 Tone Basic Bow.”

(1) Clip 1440 a first end 1422 of a first ribbon 1420 to a lower portion of the front 1402 of the bow making template 1400 near the slot 1412 in the template 1400 (FIG. 12A).

(2) Wrap the second end 1424 of the first ribbon 1420 straight across over the slot 1412 and around the first edge 1404 of the bow making template 1400 and then straight across the back of the template 1400 (FIG. 12B).

(3) Wrap the second end 1424 of the first ribbon 1420 around the second edge 1404 of the bow making template 1400 and then straight across the front 1402 of the template 1400 such that the second end 1424 of the first ribbon 1420 slightly passes the slot 1412 in the template 1400. Clip 1440 the second end 1424 of the first ribbon 1420 in place (FIG. 12C).

(4) Through the slot 1412 in the back of the bow making template 1400 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loop created by the prior steps, fasten 1450 the central portion of the ribbon loop to form bow components 1460 (FIG. 12D).

(5) Remove the clip 1440 and slide the first ribbon 1420 off of the bow making template 1400 (FIG. 12E).

(6) Repeat steps (1) through (3) with a second ribbon 1480 (FIGS. 12F-12H).

(7) Through the slot 1412 in the back of the bow making template 1400 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loop created by the prior steps, use the same fastener 1450 used for the first ribbon 1420 to stack the two ribbons 1420, 1480 by fastening the central portion of the second ribbon loop (FIG. 121).

(8) Remove the clip 1440 and slide the second ribbon 1480 off of the bow making template 1400 (FIG. 12J).

(9) Rotate the first ribbon 1420 and the second ribbon 1480 to form an X with the respective bow components 1460 (FIG. 12K).

(10) Sew 1470 an appropriate number of stitches through the center of the ribbons 1420, 1480 between the respective bow components 1460 (FIG. 12L).

(11) Twist the bow components 1460 to the desired shape (FIG. 12M).

“3 Tone Basic Bow”

With respect to FIGS. 13A-13B, following is a representative method by which the bow making template of the present disclosure can be used to create a bow sometimes referred to as a “3 Tone Basic Bow.”

(1) Perform steps (1) through (8) for making a “2Tone Basic Bow” (FIGS. 12A-12M).

(2) Perform steps (1) through (3) with a third ribbon 1520 (FIGS. 12A-12C).

(3) Through the slot 1412 in the back of the bow making template 1400 and through the front and back portions of the ribbon loop created by the prior steps, use the same fastener 1450 used for the first and second ribbons 1420, 1480 to stack the three ribbons 1420, 1480, 1520 by fastening the central portion of the third ribbon loop.

(4) Remove the clip 1440 and slide the third ribbon 1520 off of the bow making template 1400 (FIG. 13A).

(5) Rotate the first, second, and third ribbons 1420, 1480, 1520 to offset the respective bow components 1460, 1560 (FIG. 13B).

(6) Sew an appropriate number of stitches through the center of the ribbons 1420, 1480, 1520 between the respective bow components 1460, 1560.

(7) Twist the bow components 1460, 1560 to the desired shape.

As previously noted, a second slot 216 such as that depicted in FIG. 1B allows a user to make a smaller version of any of the bows disclosed above or any other bows. Similarly, a third slot could also be added to bow making template 100, 200, 300 to allow a still smaller version of any bow.

When making bows according to the present disclosure, certain tools may be useful. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to any particular type of tools, but double prong alligator clips, single prong alligator clips, and gripper clips could be used when using bow making templates 100, 200, 300 to make bows according to the present disclosure. Moreover, it may be advantageous to line such clips with a non-slip material that could help prevent unintended movement of the ribbon relative to bow making templates 100, 200, 300 when making a bow.

When making bows according to the present disclosure, certain techniques may help to improve the wearability or life cycle of the strip material used for the bow, especially if the material used is standard ribbon. For example, the ends of the ribbon could be sealed by various methods such as a fray check liquid, a lighter or candle flame, or a wood burning tool.

When making bows according to the present disclosure, any suitable method can be used to fasten the center of the ribbon(s) between the bow components. Examples of suitable methods include sewing the center together and/or tying the center using wire or thread. When the center is sewn, stitches are preferably evenly distributed across the width of the ribbon and, where ribbon loops are aligned side by side, stitches preferably overlap the aligned edges of the ribbon loops to reduce unintended movement of the ribbon loops. When the center is tied using wire or thread, the tie is preferably adapted to prevent the ribbon loops from unintended movement after the bow is completed. Suitable methods for fastening the center of the ribbon(s) between the bow components could also include a snap, button, adhesive, tape, glue, temporary adhesive, spray adhesive, heat sensitive adhesive, hook-and-loop fastener, removable adhesive tab, peel-and-stick material, clay, putty, sticky material, staple, retaining structure, clip, screw, pin, other suitable adhesive or retaining device, or any combination thereof.

When a bow is completed according to the present disclosure, additional “finishing” details can be added. By way of example but not limitation, a center can be added to the bow. In one embodiment a bow is an additional piece of strip material that is attached to the center of the bow to add a decorative element that covers the thread or wire or other device fastening the center of the bow. Another “finishing” detail could be attaching one or more clips to the back of the bow to all easy attachment of the bow to objects, including but not limited to hair, boxes, or other items to be decorated. Attachment of the clips can be accomplished using techniques such as adhesive, staples, glue, tape, any other suitable fastener, and any combination thereof. Other embellishments such as embroidery, rhinestones, and other decorations can also be added to the bow. In addition, in order to increase the hardiness of the bow and to reduce the possibility of unintended movement of the ribbon loops, wrinkles, or other undesirable characteristics, the completed bow can be baked and/or starched. One or both of these techniques improves the ability of the bow to retain the desired shape.

Another technique for “finishing” a bow made in accordance with the present invention is to “stack” more than one bow into a single bow. By way of example but not limitation, a “3Tone Basic Bow” can be stacked with a “2 Tone Twist Bow” to create a single bow with attractive characteristics. Other combinations can also be made and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims. 

1. A bow making template comprising: a thin flat body having a generally parallelogram shape, the body having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; and a slot extending from the bottom edge of the body toward the top edge of the body at an angle generally parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge.
 2. The bow making template of claim 1, wherein the slot extends to a location that is closer to the top edge than the bottom edge of the body.
 3. The bow making template of claim 1, wherein the slot extends from a location on the bottom edge approximately midway between the first side edge and the second side edge.
 4. The bow making template of claim 3 further comprising a second slot extending at a generally right angle from the bottom edge of the body toward the top edge of the body.
 5. The bow making template of claim 4, wherein the second slot extends to a location that is closer to the bottom edge than the top edge of the body.
 6. The bow making template of claim 1 further comprising an opening adjacent a corner of the body.
 7. The bow making template of claim 1, wherein the body has a generally rectangular shape.
 8. The bow making template of claim 1, wherein the body has a generally square shape.
 9. A method of making a bow comprising: providing a bow making template comprising: a thin flat body having a generally parallelogram shape, the body having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; and a slot extending from the bottom edge of the body toward the top edge of the body at an angle generally parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge; providing a length of strip material having a first end and a second end; removably attaching the first end of the strip material to the body of the bow making template; forming a loop with the strip material by wrapping the second end of the strip material around the first and second side edges of the body of the bow making template, thereby forming a front portion and a back portion of the loop; fastening the front and back portions of the loop through the slot in the body of the bow making template, thereby forming first and second bow components on opposing sides of the fastened portion of the loop; and removing the strip material from the body of the bow making template.
 10. The method of making a bow of claim 9, the method further comprising: twisting the first and second bow components of the strip material to form a desired bow shape.
 11. The method of making a bow of claim 10, the method further comprising: attaching a finishing component to the fastened portion of the loop.
 12. A method of making a bow comprising: providing a bow making template comprising: a thin flat body having a generally parallelogram shape, the body having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; and a slot extending from the bottom edge of the body toward the top edge of the body at an angle generally parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge; providing a length of strip material having a first end and a second end; removably attaching the first end of the strip material to the body of the bow making template; forming a plurality of loops with the strip material by repeatedly wrapping the second end of the strip material around the first and second side edges of the body of the bow making template, thereby forming a front portion and a back portion of the plurality of loops; fastening the front and back portions of the plurality of loops through the slot in the body of the bow making template, thereby forming first and second bow components on opposing sides of the fastened portion of the plurality of loops; and removing the strip material from the body of the bow making template.
 13. A method of making a bow comprising: providing a bow making template comprising: a thin flat body having a generally parallelogram shape, the body having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; and a slot extending from the bottom edge of the body toward the top edge of the body at an angle generally parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge; providing a first and a second length of strip material, each length having a first end and a second end; removably attaching the first end of the first length of strip material to a lower portion of the body of the bow making template; forming a first loop with the first length of strip material by wrapping the second end of the first length of strip material around the first and second side edges of the body of the bow making template, thereby forming a front portion and a back portion of the first loop; removably attaching the second end of the first length of strip material to the lower portion of the body of the bow making template; removably attaching the first end of the second length of strip material to an upper portion of the body of the bow making template; forming a second loop with the second length of strip material by wrapping the second end of the second length of strip material around the first and second side edges of the body of the bow making template, thereby forming a front portion and a back portion of the second loop; removably attaching the second end of the second length of strip material to the upper portion of the body of the bow making template; fastening the front and back portions of the first and second loops through the slot in the body of the bow making template, thereby forming first and second bow components on opposing sides of the fastened portion of the first and second loops; and removing the first and second lengths of strip material from the body of the bow making template.
 14. A method of making a bow comprising: providing a bow making template comprising: a thin flat body having a generally parallelogram shape, the body having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; and a slot extending from the bottom edge of the body toward the top edge of the body at an angle generally parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge; providing a length of strip material having a first end, a second end, and a midway point; removably attaching the midway point of the strip material to the body of the bow making template; forming a plurality of loops with the strip material by wrapping the first end of the strip material around the first and second side edges of the body of the bow making template at least one time and wrapping the second end of the strip material around the second and first side edges of the body of the bow making template at least one time, thereby forming a front portion and a back portion of the plurality of loops; fastening the front and back portions of the plurality of loops through the slot in the body of the bow making template, thereby forming first and second bow components on opposing sides of the fastened portion of the plurality of loops; and removing the strip material from the body of the bow making template.
 15. A method of making a bow comprising: providing a bow making template comprising: a thin flat body having a generally parallelogram shape, the body having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; and a slot extending from the bottom edge of the body toward the top edge of the body at an angle generally parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge; providing a first and a second length of strip material, each length having a first end and a second end; removably attaching the first end of the first length of strip material to the body of the bow making template; forming a first loop with the first length of strip material by wrapping the second end of the first length of strip material around the first and second side edges of the body of the bow making template, thereby forming a front portion and a back portion of the first loop; removably attaching the second end of the first length of strip material to the lower portion of the body of the bow making template; removably attaching the first end of the second length of strip material to the body of the bow making template at a point substantially aligned with the first end of the first length of strip material; forming a second loop with the second length of strip material by wrapping the second end of the second length of strip material around the first and second side edges of the body of the bow making template, thereby forming a front portion and a back portion of the second loop; removably attaching the second end of the second length of strip material to the body of the bow making template at a point substantially aligned with the second end of the first length of strip material; fastening the front and back portions of the first and second loops through the slot in the body of the bow making template, thereby forming first and second bow components on opposing sides of the fastened portion of the first and second loops; and removing the first and second lengths of strip material from the body of the bow making template.
 16. A method of making a bow comprising: providing a bow making template comprising: a thin flat body having a generally parallelogram shape, the body having a first side edge, a second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge; and a slot extending from the bottom edge of the body toward the top edge of the body at an angle generally parallel to the first side edge and the second side edge; providing a first and a second length of strip material, each length having a first end and a second end; removably attaching the first end of the first length of strip material to the body of the bow making template; forming a first loop with the first length of strip material by wrapping the second end of the first length of strip material around the first and second side edges of the body of the bow making template, thereby forming a front portion and a back portion of the first loop; fastening the front and back portions of the first loop through the slot in the body of the bow making template, thereby forming first and second bow components on opposing sides of the fastened portion of the first loop; removing the first length of strip material from the body of the bow making template; removably attaching the first end of the second length of strip material to the body of the bow making template; forming a second loop with the second length of strip material by wrapping the second end of the second length of strip material around the first and second side edges of the body of the bow making template, thereby forming a front portion and a back portion of the second loop; fastening the front and back portions of the second loop to the fastened portion of the first loop through the slot in the body of the bow making template, thereby forming first and second bow components on opposing sides of the fastened portion of the first and second loops; and removing the second length of strip material from the body of the bow making template.
 17. The method of making a bow of claim 16, the method further comprising: providing a third length of strip material having a first end and a second end; removably attaching the first end of the third length of strip material to the body of the bow making template; forming a third loop with the third length of strip material by wrapping the second end of the third length of strip material around the first and second side edges of the body of the bow making template, thereby forming a front portion and a back portion of the third loop; fastening the front and back portions of the third loop to the fastened portion of the first and second loops through the slot in the body of the bow making template, thereby forming first and second bow components on opposing sides of the fastened portion of the first, second, and third loops; and removing the third length of strip material from the body of the bow making template. 